Top 10 Teen Movie References in Do Revenge
#10: Horowitz Hall
It’s pretty common for a school to name buildings or specific wings after notable figures or alumni who helped make the institution what it is. So it’s only fitting that “Do Revenge” would use the same technique, honoring the teen movies that paved the way. In one particular scene, Drea can be seen at Rosehill, standing in front of a sign that reads “Horowitz Hall.” Now, if you’ve ever seen “Clueless,” you know this is a nod to its protagonist, the inimitable Cher Horowitz herself. What better way to acknowledge the impact and legacy of such films than by honoring one of the greatest characters the genre has ever seen?!
#9: Motorcycle Ride
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One way in which movies love to tell us a guy is a little mysterious and edgy is by giving him a motorcycle. In this 2022 flick, Drea hits it off with Russ, and sure enough, he doesn’t travel by car! When they ditch school, she sits on the back of his bike, and we get a cheerful sequence as they journey through the streets. Of course, they aren’t the only ones who have done something similar. In “Freaky Friday,” Anna, who's trapped inside her mom Tess’ body, and heartthrob Jake go on a ride of their own. It’s unclear whether this reference was intentional or not, but it’s epic. Does anyone else suddenly have the urge to get on a motorcycle?!
#8: Enjoying the Mayhem
Regina George proudly watching the chaos she’s unleashed by releasing the Burn Book pages is an image all “Mean Girls” fans cherish. “Do Revenge” knows that, and calls back to the iconic moment in equally iconic fashion. Instead of pages from a journal they helped write, Drea and Eleanor expose their target Max’s repeated infidelity by sending out his texts. At first, the plan works like a charm, and Drea initially revels in her success – à la Regina George. Ironically though, Max is the one who, like the head Plastic, evades destruction for far too long, with he and his friends spinning the scandal to his advantage. Still, that’s not the only time Drea gives off major Regina George vibes!
#7: Max’s Cheating Technique
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Do you ever wonder whether characters in teen movies watch, well, other teen movies?! We have a sneaking suspicion that this one’s villain, Max, does, and we’ll tell you why! When we discover that he’s basically a serial cheater, we learn that his romantic partners run in different social circles. That’s very interesting, and we can’t help but wonder if it’s a technique he got from one of the original playboys, John Tucker. Tucker initially makes a point of seducing girls who are part of different cliques. The logic, of course, is that this makes it easier to keep them all secret from one another. It looks like Max didn’t really learn the actual lesson “John Tucker Must Die” was trying to teach him…
#6: The Music
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The music in “Do Revenge” is, simply put, perfect. There are plenty of modern picks that seamlessly enhance the story. But there are also throwbacks, and some of them are more than just catchy – they’re clever references. For instance, we’re treated to a cover of “Kids in America” during the chaotic ring ceremony dinner. If you felt like you were experiencing déjà vu, it’s because another version of the tune accompanies “Clueless’” opening. And there’s more: when Drea and Eleanor succeed in taking Max down, “Praise You” plays. That same song can be heard when Annette and Sebastian take a drive in “Cruel Intentions.” It’s a pretty fitting choice, considering how much the two male characters have in common. Talk about music to our ears!
#5: The Headmaster
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This is a story about adolescents, so there aren’t many adults around. But the Headmaster is played by none other than Sarah Michelle Gellar, and yes, we screamed the minute she showed up! The actress changed the game with her portrayal of the manipulative Kathryn Merteuil in “Cruel Intentions,” so seeing her in charge at Rosehill is a treat. Not only is she entertaining, but she also bridges the gap between the past and the present. Okay, her character isn’t literally Kathryn, but she may as well be! There are also nods to the “Les Liaisons dangereuses”, which Gellar’s movie was based on. The novel itself makes an appearance, as does a quote from it. Maybe the Headmaster had something to do with that.
#4: The Paintball Scene
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We love a cute, slightly messy date, and “Do Revenge” more than delivers on that front. When Drea and Russ head to his warehouse, he suggests flinging paint at blank canvases. Naturally, they end up throwing most of the balls at each other, and needless to say, it’s adorable. Now, any teen movie aficionado worth their salt instantly realized that this was a unique play on Kat and Patrick’s paintball date in “10 Things I Hate About You.” The 1999 movie’s influence can be felt throughout the scene, and we couldn’t love it more. Both sequences are playful and romantic, establishing the chemistry between the characters and culminating in a kiss. How could you not root for these couples after watching their flirty exchanges?
#3: A Makeover
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Every good teen movie features a makeover. Just look at “She’s All That,” or “The Princess Diaries.” “Do Revenge” is no exception, with Drea getting Eleanor ready to infiltrate the popular crew. It acknowledges the issues that come with the trope, but leans into the lighthearted aspect of it all and pays homage to montages past. More specifically, this segment has a lot in common with the one in “Clueless,” where Cher and Dionne give Tai a new look. From the makeup application to the lipstick blotting to the reveal, it’s like looking into a mirror. Sure, it’s not a carbon copy by any means, but there’s no denying the similarities! The result is insanely stylish, and we think Cher would be beyond proud.
#2: Touring the School
When you first start at a new school, it can be useful to get a rundown of who’s who. That’s what all the great adolescent-centered films tell us, and Eleanor seems to have gotten the memo. When Gabbi offers her a tour of Rosehill, she’s quick to accept. They walk through the campus grounds, with the former introducing all the different cliques. Her biting commentary is nothing short of hilarious, and gives both us and Eleanor a better understanding of the establishment’s social dynamics. Do you remember who else gets a tour of her new school complete with priceless insights? That’s right, Tai in “Clueless.” Cady gets a stellar one in “Mean Girls,” too! AND Michael shows Cameron around in “10 Things I Hate About You”! It’s nice to know that some things never change. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Playing Croquet “Heathers” Fans Will Immediately See the Parallel Familiar Slang It Seems Dionne from “Clueless” Influenced Max’s Vocabulary
#1: Driving Off Victorious
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They say first impressions are everything. When we meet Eleanor, she’s driving a vintage vehicle, serving some serious Sebastian in “Cruel Intentions” energy. But the parallels between the stories don’t stop there. At the end of “Do Revenge,” our two protagonists sit in a classic black car and triumphantly drive away after having exacted their revenge. We had to blink to make sure our eyes weren’t deceiving us, because their mode of transportation looks an awful lot like Sebastian’s prized automobile. You know, the same one Annette infamously rides off in after having exposed Kathryn for the fraud she is?! It’s a subtle but hugely significant detail that makes the 2022 film’s closing scene feel extra impactful and oh so satisfying.